Ken Hirai's classic and popular songs

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ayaka / “Hitomi o Tojite” Music Video (Story 3)

Released in April 2004, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” topping the Oricon Singles Chart as the best-selling single of 2004.

The film, which tells the story of memories resurfacing while traveling through the hometown once shared with a deceased lover, became so popular it sparked the “Sekachū boom,” and the song soared alongside its success.

It was performed at the 55th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a beautiful love song so moving that watching the film and listening to it can bring you to tears that won’t stop.

READY FOR YOUR LOVEHirai Ken

[Too Delicious – Beware ⚠] READY FOR YOUR LOVE / Ken Hirai (with lyrics & chords) Toyo Tires commercial song

This song, used in a TOYO TIRES commercial, is included on Ken Hirai Singles Best Collection: Utabaka 2.

It was written, composed, and arranged by sound producer tofubeats.

It’s a rare dance track for Ken Hirai—highly upbeat and very much in tofubeats’ style!

ELEGYHirai Ken

Ken Hirai - ELEGY (Elegy) (Ken’s Bar Winter 2009)

This is a dark-themed song by Ken Hirai, who holds a pioneering position among Japanese artists for incorporating authentic rhythm and blues.

True to its theme, it’s imbued with an elegiac atmosphere, and together with the lyrics, it achieves a depth that makes it a perfect fit even for summer.

LOVE OR LUSTHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “LOVE OR LUST” Music Video

Released in October 2000.

With its upbeat hip-hop sound and stylish backing music, including musical elements and choral vocals, it’s a song popular among women for its sexy, sensual, and passionate lyrics.

The lyrics are so sexy that when I was a student, I listened to it secretly so my parents wouldn’t find out.

Sing ForeverHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Sing Forever” MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai himself commented that this song is a “hymn to life,” expressing what he feels now as a singer after 15 years.

As the first track of his 15th anniversary, Sing Forever is a gospel song filled with hope and warmth that shakes the heart and reaches the soul.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri!! in October 2010.

TABOOHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “LOVE OR LUST” Music Video

A collaboration between Ken Hirai and m-flo’s vocalist LISA, included on Ken Hirai’s remix album “Kh re-mixed up 1,” released in November 2001.

With an upbeat hip-hop groove and lyrics that tell a seductive, mature, and stylish story of an affair with a friend’s girlfriend, the track captivates.

The contrast between Hirai and LISA’s beautiful vocals is soothing.

styleHirai Ken

style

This is their 22nd single, produced by OCTOPUSSY.

Hirai once commented about this song on his own radio show (J-WAVE “FLYING EASY”), saying, “I like the song, but to be honest, it didn’t sell.” Its individuality and expressiveness, which hold their own against the edgy track, are a must-hear.